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AN INTERVIEW WITH ROB FENNAH
Wirral writer and musician Rob Fennah talks to Wirral
Life about himself, Helen Forrester and the North West
Tour of Twopence to Cross the Mersey.
I was born in Liverpool in 1958 and emigrated to the Wirral
in 1963. I went to Greasby Infant and Junior schools before
failing my 11 plus and getting packed off to Hoylake Parade
School for Boys in 1970. The school merged with Hilbre
Secondary School in 1974 where I spent most of my time on a
bus commuting between the two schools and the playing field
in Meols.
Fortunately for me, I had already embarked on a career in
music having joined a band called, Buster. We went on to have
many big hits in Japan, Australia and Germany. I got my first
gold album when I was 19.
You had a successful career in the pop music business in the
UK and abroad – why change to writing musicals?
When Buster disbanded in 1980 I formed a new band,
Alternative Radio, with my brother, Alan. We were the first
artists to sign to the newly re-launched Parlophone label made
famous by the Beatles. As we got older we became involved
in other aspects of the music business; writing for theatre and
producing music for TV.
Do you still play the guitar?
I have played guitar since the age of 5 and recently opened my
own Bluenote Guitar School in Crosby, Liverpool. I teach all
styles including ukulele, bass, and a bit of mandolin. I still love
playing!
Tell us about the North West Tour of Twopence to Cross the
Mersey
The new Twopence To Cross The Mersey stage play kicked off
at the Royal Court Theatre on 20th September before moving
on to; Rhyl, Preston, Southport, Warrington, Stockport and St
Helens. I see this as a stepping stone to a full blown 'national
tour' of the UK. This is something Helen Forrester and I often
talked about.
When/how did you meet Helen Forrester?
I met Helen at a literary lunch in 1992. She was there to talk
about her books and I had been invited along by a journalist
friend of mine. Some months earlier I had written and
recorded a song called, 'Butterfly In The Rain' which was
inspired by a line from Twopence (Rick Wakeman played
keyboards on it). Helen loved the song and asked if she could
use it when giving radio interviews. It was at that meeting
I put to her the possibility of a 'musical' based on her most
famous book. Two years later she attended its première at the
Liverpool Empire Theatre. I wrote the new 'touring' stage play
version last year.
Which of Helen’s personal qualities did you most admire?
I admired her determination. Despite everything that was
thrown at her she went on to become hugely successful.
On a personal note, what do you like to collect?
I'm not a collector of things. I have a number of instruments
which I have had for many years and still use daily.
Where do you like to go on holiday?
Holidays? I go to the Caribbean pretty often. I like to take my
laptop and write while I'm there.
Favourite restaurants?
I don't have a favourite restaurant. I like to eat at home.
What is your guilty pleasure?
No guilty pleasures. And if I had any I certainly wouldn't be
telling anyone.
What is your favourite musical?
Although I've written a couple of musicals I'm not a big fan of
them. If I had to choose one it would be Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang. The songs are brilliant!
What decision have you made that you most regret?
Do I have any regrets? I don't think it's healthy to dwell on
things I can no longer do anything about.
After the tour, what is next for you?
After this tour I'll be working on getting my new stage play,'
Lennon's Banjo', up and running. I'm also writing a sequel to
Twopence, 'By The Waters of Liverpool'.
For dates and tickets, visit:
www.twopencetocrossthemersey.com
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